Counterfeit or the Real Thing?

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15

A Bit of History

In the early 1500s, the Aztec Empire was one of the most powerful and sophisticated civilizations in the western hemisphere. However, within one year's time, this mighty nation of over 2 million people was conquered and enslaved by just six hundred (600) men.

How did this Happen?

The Aztecs had a prophecy about Quetzalcoati a legendary feathered god-king who was light skinned and bearded. This prophecy predicted that he would return to Mexico from across the sea and that he would come in the clouds from the east to save them.

In 1519 the Spanish galleons arrived in Mexico carrying a group of conquistadors led by Hernando Cortez. When the Aztecs saw these ships with their billowing sails, they thought it looked like clouds.

Cortez heard about the Aztec legend from some Indians who lived on the shore and decided to use the situation to his advantage.

Cortez cleverly assumed the mantle of deity to a mixed-up, superstitious King Montezuma II. While the king was waiting to receive Cortez with honor, Cortez marched his army right into the center of the Aztec capital.

By the time the people realized that Cortez was not the savior they were expecting, it was too late. An entire nation was deceived and destroyed, in part because the prophecies of their god's return were so ambiguous/unclear/vague that most anyone could have served as a counterfeit!

So, why a bit of history before launching into another Bible Study or teaching?

Study to show thyself approved!

We must know the Word of God/the Bible for ourselves and rightly divide it!

In the near future, Satan will attempt to impersonate Jesus and counterfeit His return to earth, but God's people need not be deceived.

When the disciples asked Jesus for the sign of His coming and the end of the world, the very first thing He told them was to be on guard against imposters:

"And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you, For many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ," and will deceive many."
Matthew 24:4-5

Jesus is warning people to stay alert, pay attention, keep their eyes open because spiritual deception will be great as false Christ’s rise up to deceive people.

Christ then proceeded to give His followers a wealth of information about His second coming so there would be no doubt as to how He would return. Yeshua not only wants us to know that He is coming; He wants us to understand the manner of His coming.

Counterfeit....The REAL THING!

Study the WORD...it will get you out of here!